A city fat cat has reached the final of the UK’s biggest pet weight loss competition.
Pumpkin, a ginger and white flabby tabby, who loves eating ice cream and crisps at his Aberdeen home, has been chosen to compete in PDSA Pet Fit Club against six other podgy pets from across the UK.
The seven-year-old puss weighs in at 1st 8lbs and is 46% overweight.
He needs to lose 7lb to reach his ideal weight.
His owner, Chelsea Mullen from Bridge of Dee, explained that Pumpkin barely does any exercise.
She said: “He’s a very happy, friendly and loving cat, but he has turned into a couch potato.
“His daily exercise now consists of moving from the bed or sofa to the food bowl and back again.
“He’s very reluctant to go outside because that involves getting off the sofa and he doesn’t even move if he sees a fly.”
During the competition, Pumpkin will undergo a strict six-month diet and exercise programme.
Fiona Gregge, PDSA senior vet, will be overseeing his diet and said: “Carrying excess weight can have serious health risks and increase the chances of pets suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening diseases including arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.”
Miss Mullen also owns another cat, Munchkin, who isn’t overweight.
The 21-year-old added: “They both seem to eat the same amount, but the difference is that Pumpkin simply doesn’t do any exercise.
“We would like Pumpkin to lose weight so he can start having fun and learn how to play with both his toys and Munchkin, but most of all, we want him to lose the weight in order to keep him healthy.”